Breaking up with Big Tech
In recent months, I have found myself incredibly radicalized by every bit of nonsense coming out of these tech companies and, well, it took about a month to transfer data and set up other softwares/hardwares, but I've broken up with Google. I fell down the rabbit hole far enough to purchase, learn the ropes, and set up a home server which, incidentally, means I've also broken up with Hulu, Netflix, Apple TV, Disney, etc.
If you had asked me 2 years ago, I never would have imagined that I'd be this person, but by all of the Gods, I'm over the AI, data-stealing, over-reaching bullshit coming out of all of these companies. I'm maintaining the old email account and having things that I haven't managed to change over forwarded for now, but they won't see another dime out of me.
So. For anyone looking to do the same, here are my (reasonably well-researched) replacements:
Google Search: DuckDuckGo (turn off the AI, of course)
Google Chrome: Firefox
Google Suite (Gmail, Drive, Calendar): Proton (this has the added caveat of Proton Pass and VPN with paid accounts) - it's a bit more expensive, but I believe worth it. I can't fully delete G Drive, yet, because of group shared folders with multiple groups of people, but I got my storage down below the free level and won't be adding to it.
Google Photos: I picked up a Synology NAS and it came with Synology Photos; it's pretty much a 1:1 match for Google Photos and I am really happy with the integrations, so far, including direct back up from my phone to my home server.
Google Keep: Simplenotes; all of the VERY basic things I needed, nothing I don't; it's free, there's an android widget, I can access it from a computer, and I can take quick notes about random things throughout my day and keep to-do lists
Streaming Services: Jellyfin and a home NAS; you can set up a VERY basic system for about $800, with room for upgrades as you save up for them. If you do the math, canceling all the streaming services will pay for it in about a year. I picked up a base level Synology server, and an 8 TB SSD (saving up for a pair of larger drives, eventually) because it's a good way to learn the basics of networking while having things be relatively plug and play from the start. Bonus, I'll never see another advertisement (outside of watching live sports) for as long as I live.
Google Maps: Waze. I know I am late to this party, but there was always something about the interface that I didn't like. Still, I've sucked it up and downloaded Waze, finally.
Still using, but looking to replace: Google Wallet. This is looking like it's going to be a tough one. Sure, I could go to Apple Wallet (they also suck). I could probably suck it up and give up on tap-to-pay entirely. But the problem I'm going to have is event ticketing; I hold season tickets for a local soccer team and their only ticketing is through Google or Apple Wallet :/ Any suggestions from tumblrinas, here?
Anyhow, if you needed a sign to break up with Big Tech... this is it. It's easier than you think, if you do it out of pure spite. I honestly hate change, when it comes to my tech, but I'm really embracing this one. I can do all things through spite which gives me strength.
